Abstract: An apparatus to control power of an electronic device includes a local area network (LAN) controller to control network communication of the electronic device, a communication interface connected to an external dongle to perform the network communication, a connection detector to detect whether a first signal for connection with the LAN controller is received from the external dongle, and a power controller to supply power to the LAN controller when the first signal is detected and to shut off power to the LAN controller when the first signal is not detected.

Abstract: An adapter for enabling connection of a portable electronic device with an accessory includes two connectors, an identification device, a power control device, and power clamping circuitry. All of these components may be included in a single integrated housing. Another adapter may have a cable with two connectors connected to either end of the cable. One of the connectors may house the identification device and the power control device. Optionally, the adapter may also house the power clamp circuitry.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided that includes a base, a processor, and a tablet having a front surface, a rear surface and a bottom edge surface. A processor may operate at a first operating condition when the tablet is coupled to the base, and the processor may operate at a second operating condition when the tablet is not coupled to the base. The tablet may include a heat conducting device and an active edge. The heat conducting device may conduct heat from the processor to the active edge where the heat may be dissipated using supplemental cooling.

Abstract: A power source device and a power charge device interoperate according to a wireless charging protocol. The power source device inductively wirelessly transmits charging energy signal via an inductive wireless power transmitting circuit. The power charge device wirelessly receives the inductively wirelessly transmitted charging energy signal via an inductive wireless power receiving circuit. The power charge device transfers wirelessly received charging energy signal to a re-chargeable battery of the power charge device. In response to determining that the power source device and the power charge device are in a charging arrangement, the power source device controls user access to a lockable user interface based on receiving information from the power charge device and can display messages received by the power charge device from a wireless communication network. The power source device can include a personal computing system and the power charge device can include a mobile phone.

Abstract: A multi-display device can interface with two or more different types of docking stations. The device can determine the type of dock and change the pin outs for a connector to interface with that dock. Once docked, the device can determine a charge status for the device and the dock to present the status to the user. Further, the dock can enter one of several modes, including a call receipt mode and an entertainment mode. The modes allow for expanded functionality for the device while docked. Two particular docks, the laptop dock and the smart dock, provide special functionality with the device.

Abstract: Presented is a wall-mounted control system for a portable touch screen device. The control system includes a housing, a touch screen mounting member moveably coupled to the housing and configured to releasably hold the portable touch screen device, a processor configured for providing an interface between the portable touch screen device and one or more remote systems, a docking connector configured for electrically mating with the portable touch screen device and establishing electrical communication between the processor and the portable touch screen device, and a communication circuitry configured for establishing communication between the processor the one or more remote systems.

Abstract: Upon initial boot-up, a telematics device receives a PID map in response to a PID map request. The TCU may send multiple PID map requests for different mode and PID combinations over a vehicles communication bus, and then may append each received PID map to the already-received PID maps. The multiple PID maps appended to one another form a composite bit value, or composite PID map. The composite PID map is processed according to a hash algorithm, resulting in a pseudo-VIN. Upon subsequent boot-ups of the TCU, the TCU sends the multiple PID map requests over the vehicle's bus and generates a pseudo VIN following the same steps as it did at initial boot-up. The TCU compares the currently generated pseudo-VIN to the initial pseudo VIN; if it determines a mismatch, it sends a notification to an interested third party that indicates improper usage of the TCU.

Abstract: An information handling system includes a tablet with a processor, and a dock with a second processor that determines that the tablet is coupled to the dock, boots the dock, receives a request for the tablet to be uncoupled from the dock, creates a migration image with state information of the dock and that identifies a process running on the dock, and sends the migration image to the tablet. The first processor receives the request, boots the tablet, receives the migration image from the second processor, loads the state information to the tablet, and launches the first process.

Abstract: An application can generate multiple user interfaces for display across multiple electronic devices. After the electronic devices establish communication, an application running on at least one of the devices can present a first set of information items on a touch-enabled display of one of the electronic devices. The electronic device can receive a user selection of one of the first set of information items. In response to receiving the user selection, the application can generate a second set of information items for display on the other electronic device. The second set of information items can represent an additional level of information related to the selected information item.

Abstract: A method of connecting an image forming apparatus to a network via Wi-Fi Direct, including: executing a Wi-Fi Direct function of the image forming apparatus so that the image forming apparatus operates as a soft access point (AP); displaying, when the image forming apparatus is connected to an external wireless device via the Wi-Fi Direct function, an embedded web page provided by the image forming apparatus on the connected wireless device; receiving access information of an infra network, to which the image forming apparatus is to be wirelessly connected, from the wireless device, wherein the access information is input via the displayed embedded web page; and establishing a wireless network connection between the image forming apparatus and the infrastructure network based on the access information received from the wireless device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises at least a first display, an end-user input interface, and a control circuit that operably couples to both this first display and this end-user input interface. The apparatus can further comprise a housing that houses these components. By one approach this housing also has a basin formed therein. This basin is of sufficient size to at least substantially fully receive a portable cellular-telephony transceiver (where, for example, this portable cellular-telephony transceiver has its own display and its own end-user input interface).

Abstract: In a mobile telephone holder including a hollow support body with a mobile telephone accommodation area having a back support and a bottom support area formed by an upper housing part, the lower support area includes a number of installation locations for receiver blocks adapted to accommodate the connecting plugs for different mobile telephone models to be positioned so as to engage the respective mobile telephone jacks.

Abstract: A stand alone low cost writing pad includes a rechargeable battery, a low capacity memory, a low power processor, a first pair of connectors and supports audio, video and digital ink capturing functionalities. The writing pad may be detached from and re-attached to a stand alone base unit using the first pair of connectors. The base unit includes another rechargeable battery, high capacity memory, high power processor, and a second pair of connectors. The base unit receives captured audio and digital ink from the writing pad via the communication pathway and the high power processor runs voice recognition and optical character recognition software on received data to generate second data. The second data is displayed on the writing pad and/or stored in the high capacity memory for future use.

Abstract: An inductive structure includes a power coil and a data coil. The data coil is substantially centered within the power coil. A first portion of the data coil conducts current in a first direction. A second portion of the data coil conducts current in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first portion of the data coil is connected at a node to the second portion of the data coil. The node is coupled to a ground.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for wireless communication are provided. In an embodiment, a method of wireless communication includes receiving, at an access point, a probe request, decoding the probe request to determine shared wireless device state information, storing the shared wireless device state information for at least a timeout period, transmitting a probe response indicating the timeout period; and receiving an association request omitting the wireless device state information within the timeout period.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for physically and/or logically combining two or more smart devices to enhance user experience and help efficiently design, create, implement, or execute desired applications. According to one embodiment, system of the present disclosure provides a smart device apparatus having one or more processors, a communication interface device, and one or more internal data storage devices that are operatively coupled to the one or more processors. The smart device or a sleeve thereof further includes a housing, also interchangeably referred to as a slot or a docking basin, where the housing is configured to physically receive a second smart device and couple the smart device with the second smart device.

Abstract: A gas detector management system includes a plurality of docking stations distributed in a region being monitored. One or more gas detectors in the region, which have been exposed to various gas concentrations, and which include respective stored maximum concentrations can be coupled to respective docking stations. Information including the maximum stored concentrations can be downloaded to the stations. Alert messages can be automatically generated and transmitted to displaced safety officer for follow-up.

Abstract: An information handling system (IHS) docking system includes an IHS chassis defining an alignment member passageway and an IHS connector opening. An IHS connector is movably coupled to the IHS chassis adjacent the IHS connector opening and resiliently biased into a retracted orientation. An alignment member securing device is moveably coupled to the IHS chassis adjacent the alignment member passageway and resiliently biased into a non-securing orientation. At least one docking actuator is located in the alignment passageway and coupled to the IHS connector and alignment member securing device. When the IHS chassis is docked with a docking station including a docking connector and an alignment member, the alignment member engages the at least one docking actuator to move the IHS connector relative to the IHS chassis to mate with the docking connector, and move the alignment member securing device relative to the IHS chassis to engage the alignment member.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for using a WI-FI Direct Services (WFDS) Application Services Platform (ASP) for Layer 2 services, by extending a definition of a session in WFDS to include non-IP sessions as well. Techniques are further disclosed for operating an application services platform coordination protocol (ASP-CP) directly over a media access control (MAC) layer.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments enable a wireless dockee device to analyze capability-related information characterizing one or more wireless and/or wired peripheral devices and planned use-related information, and perform an action based on the planned use-related information. A wireless docking center device manages the peripheral devices on behalf of the wireless dockee device. Example embodiments of the invention include wireless docking management of peripheral devices, power management in wireless docking, intelligent and automatic connection activation in wireless docking, notification based on user proximity to a peripheral device in wireless docking, and redirection of data transmission between peripheral devices in wireless docking. Wireless docking is mentioned as example herein, but similar solutions may also be applied to other connected device environments.

Abstract: Methods and devices for selectively presenting a user interface for an email application are provided. More particularly, a change in the operating mode of a multiple virtual display smartpad device from a multiple virtual display operating mode to a single virtual display operating mode, or from a single virtual display operating mode to a multiple virtual display operating mode, can be determined. Moreover, a change in the operating mode can effect a change in a presentation of a user interface associated with an email application. More particularly, a presentation of a user interface can be retained, where the number of virtual displays of the device in view of the user is changed, provided a user interface for the email application remains in view of the user after the change in operating mode.

Abstract: A method of managing a portable computing device (PCD) display and a PCD docking station display when a PCD is docked with a PCD docking station is disclosed and may include connecting a PCD data driver to the PCD docking station display, transmitting a primary display signal to the PCD docking station display, and transmitting a secondary display signal to the PCD display. The method may include displaying primary information at the PCD docking station display. The method may also include displaying secondary information at the PCD docking station display.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first battery, a first charging unit, a first voltage adjustment unit, a power detection module, and a first control module. The first charging unit charges the first battery according to a supply voltage and a first charging enable signal. The first voltage adjustment unit outputs a first output voltage according to the supply voltage and a first battery voltage of the first battery. The power detection module generates a power consumption information according to the first output voltage. The first control module sets a charging time according to the supply voltage and the power consumption information, in which the first control module generates the first charging enable signal to control the first charging unit to charge the first battery according to the charging time.

Abstract: Docking stations, electronic devices, fiber optic cable assemblies, and display devices incorporating optical connections including a magnetic coupling portion are disclosed. One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a docking station for an electronic device having a major surface. The docking station includes a mating surface operable to contact a major surface of an electronic device, and an optical connection disposed in the mating surface. The optical connection includes an optical interface portion and a magnetic coupling portion positioned adjacent to the optical interface portion. Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to an electronic device including a major surface having a cavity, and an optical connection disposed in the cavity. The optical connection includes an optical interface portion and a magnetic coupling portion positioned adjacent to the optical interface portion. The optical interface portion is offset from the major surface. Display devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable and mobile deployable data center (DDC) is disclosed, which includes various components that enables the DDC to have multiple functions including, computing, data storage and retrieval, communications and routing. A DDC includes a rugged case that suitable for harsh environments, an interconnection mechanism, a plurality of hot swappable readers, a plurality of hot swappable portable computing devices, and a plurality of hot swappable power supplies.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments enable a wireless docking center device to manage one or more wireless and/or wired peripheral devices on behalf of a wireless dockee device. Example embodiments of the invention include wireless docking management of peripheral devices, power management in wireless docking, intelligent and automatic connection activation in wireless docking, notification based on user proximity to a peripheral device in wireless docking, and redirect data transmission between peripheral devices in wireless docking. Wireless docking is mentioned as example herein, but similar solutions may also be applied to other connected device environments.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a thermal policy of a receiving device that couples to a portable computing device (PCD) includes automatically detecting a presence of the PCD. After detecting the presence of the PCD, a command to deactivate a thermal sensor and to deactivate a power supply within the PCD may be issued. The thermal policy manager module of the receiving device may issue a command to adjust an operating condition of a processor within the PCD if a temperature value reaches a predetermined value. The thermal policy manager module may also adjust operation of an active cooling device if the temperature value sensed by a sensor within the PCD reaches a predetermined value. The receiving device may include at least one of a docking station, a tablet personal computer, a laptop personal computer, a desktop personal computer, a portable media player, a portable television, and a printer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a docking station for docking one or multiple portable electronic devices, such as a tablet and a mobile telephone or smartphone. The present disclosure provides a method for changing device modes of an electronic device connected to a docking station, as well as an electronic device and a docking station configured for same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided wherein a server is powered by a battery connected to a charging circuit. The voltage output by the battery is monitored and when it falls below a threshold, a determination is made that the battery is being depleted. In response to the determination, the server is brought into a reduced power consumption state or a data saving state.

Abstract: A handheld tablet computing device with a removable central processor module has a first plurality of user interface elements comprising at least a screen, a keyboard, and a pointing device, a first communications link software module resident in a read-only firmware memory chip; a first docking port located on an interior surface of a void extending inward from one of the exterior surfaces of the handheld computing device; and a user-removable processing unit comprising at least a central processor module, a data storage module, a second communications link software module, a second docking port, and a second plurality of user interface elements, the user-removable processing unit being removably coupled to the handheld computing device via connection between the first docking port and the second docking port and adapted to be removable while running.

Abstract: A data-recording device for a measurement device (2) that contains measurement device electronics (3) having an internal data bus and a data interface (4), wherein the data-recording device includes at least one storage element (5), at least one processing unit (6) linked with the storage element (5) and a data interface (7) and wherein the device can be linked with the measuring device via its data interface and via the corresponding data interface of the measurement device and data can be exchanged between the measurement device and the data-recording device. The data-recording device is able to read-only access the internal data bus of the measurement device (2) without functional interference via its data interface (7)—bus observation, thus avoiding certain disadvantages of similar prior data-recording devices.

Abstract: An operator control device for an on-board electronics system of a motor vehicle or for a mobile communications device, having an operator control unit arranged in a receptacle of a docking station located in the interior of the motor vehicle and an interface between the operator control unit and the docking station for data interchange of information. The operator control unit has an operator control panel which has a plurality of operator control elements which can be manually operated. The receptacle with the operator control unit accommodated therein can be driven so as to move in an alternating rhythm, which is associated with the respectively operated operator control element, by one or more actuators when one of the operator control elements is operated.

Abstract: A molded external expanding apparatus or “docking station” operable with a portable computer device of a type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: A dock for receiving a portable electronic device. The dock includes a housing comprising an aperture in a recess for receiving and supporting the portable electronic device, and a communication assembly disposed in the housing and moveable relative to the housing. The communication assembly includes a dock optical transceiver disposed in the aperture for aligning with a device optical transceiver when the portable electronic device is disposed in the recess, and magnets coupled to the optical transceiver for aligning with complementary magnets of the portable electronic device to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the portable electronic device with the dock and to facilitate alignment of the dock optical transceiver with the device optical transceiver when the portable electronic device is engaged with the dock.

Abstract: A mobile computing device with a mobile operating system and desktop operating system running concurrently and independently on a shared kernel without virtualization. The mobile operating system provides a user experience for the mobile computing device that suits the mobile environment. The desktop operating system provides a full desktop user experience when the mobile computing device is docked to a secondary terminal environment. The desktop operating system may be suspended when the mobile computing device is not docked with a secondary terminal environment and resumed when the mobile computing device is docked with a secondary terminal environment that provides a desktop computing experience. The mobile computing device may be a smartphone running the Android mobile OS and a full desktop Linux OS distribution on a modified Android kernel.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a docking station that may include a transmitter to send an identifier associated with the docking station to a mobile device proximate to the docking station, and a receiver to receive settings from the mobile device. The settings may be based on the identifier associated with the docking station, and the settings specify at least one of a ring volume, a ringtone, or a list of contacts. The docking station may also include a processor to interpret the settings so that the docking station performs according to the settings.

Abstract: A portable computing device docking apparatus includes an input unit to input a user command, a mounting unit disposed on one side of the input unit, into which one end portion of a portable computing device is separately inserted, and a hinge unit to interconnect the input unit and the mounting unit, and selectively lock and release the portable computing device according to an angle formed by the portable computing device mounted on the mounting unit and the input unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for supporting unknown peripheral function protocols (PFP) with a wireless docking station. A wireless docking station may facilitate connections between a wireless dockee and peripherals employing both recognized and unrecognized PFPs. A docking station may request one or more service discovery parameters from a peripheral having an unrecognized PFP. The docking station may receive service discovery parameters in response, convey the received discovery parameters to a wireless dockee, and facilitate discovery and a connection between the device and the peripheral. The discovery parameters may include various identifiers related to peripheral function, identity, and location.

Abstract: Computing devices are often designed in view of a particular usage scenario, but may be unsuitable for usage in other computing scenarios. For example, a notebook computer with a large display, an integrated keyboard, and a high-performance processor suitable for many computing tasks may be heavy, large, and power-inefficient; and a tablet lacking a keyboard and incorporating a low-powered processor may improve portability but may present inadequate performance for many tasks. Presented herein is a configuration of a computing device featuring a display unit with a resource-conserving processor that may be used independently (e.g., as a tablet), but that may be connected to a base unit featuring a resource-intensive processor. The operating system of the device may accordingly transition between a resource-intensive computing environment and a resource-conserving computing environment based on the connection with the base unit, thereby satisfying the dual roles of workstation and portable tablet device.

Abstract: A transportation system includes a passenger vehicle, a mobile device, and a mobile device dock that couples the mobile device to the passenger vehicle. The mobile device dock includes a base coupled to the passenger vehicle and a cradle configured to receive the mobile device. The cradle is coupled to the base to move relative to the base.

Abstract: A universal docking station for portable electronic devices is disclosed. In some embodiments, the docking station may utilize a universal interface to communicatively couple a portable electronic device to one or more inputs, displays, and/or accessory devices. In some embodiments, the universal interface may be a high-speed and/or super-speed universal data interface. In further embodiments, the universal docking station may be configured to provide electrical power to a portable electronic device. By utilizing a universal data interface, the universal docking station may be utilized with any portable electronic device having the universal data interface regardless of the manufacturer of the portable electronic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disinfecting docking station for at least one portable electronic device, such as a medical technician's tablet computer, that has at least one recharging connector. An enclosure is adapted to receive the at least one portable electronic device therein through an openable side that includes a selectively closable door. Each electronic device is exposed to a disinfecting wavelength of light, such as UV light, to disinfect the surface of the device. The enclosure includes supports that minimally contact each device so that the device will be substantially exposed to the UV light. A control circuit monitors the exposure time and level, and is programmable to activate the UV light based on pre-set criteria. The enclosures may be stacked and provide power and network connectivity to each device while docked therein.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes a control circuit (208) and one or more modules (210) operable with the control circuit. An application usage module (211) is operable with the control circuit to define one or more applications (104,105,106,107), operable with the control circuit and otherwise available for use by a user (101) when the electronic device is in an unlocked state, that are precluded from use by an authorized person when the electronic device is operably connected to a predefined peripheral accessory (300) when unlocked.

Abstract: An expansion module is configured to provide expansion functions to a mobile electronic device. The expansion module includes a cloud device and at least one first expansion device. The cloud device includes a first expansion bus interface and a network interface. The first expansion device is coupled to the cloud device in a daisy-chain manner, wherein each of the first expansion device includes at least one first peripheral device. The cloud device is coupled to the mobile electronic device through the first expansion bus interface or the network interface, and provides the first peripheral device to the mobile electronic device for use.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dock apparatus for connecting a mobile electronic device. The dock apparatus includes the following modules. A connection port module is configured for physically connecting to the mobile electronic device. A control module is configured for retrieve a first parameter and a display data of the mobile electronic device via the connection port module. A wireless communication module coupled to the control module is configured for establishing a wireless connection to the mobile electronic device according to the first parameter. A wired communication module is configured for connecting to the wireless communication module and an external network and for bridging the wireless communication module and the external network. A power module is configured to supply electric power to the mobile electronic device. A heat dissipation module is configured to transfer heat away from the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A docking station connects through a docking port and docking cable with an information handling system to support communication between the information handling system and docking station peripherals. On initial interface, one data lane of the docking port establishes a temporary management interface, such as an I2C management bus, to configure the docking station. After configuration, a docking manager, virtual wireless access point and power block cooperate to assign data lanes of the docking port and wireless communication resources to information transfer and power transfer functions based upon processing and communication tasks performed at the information handling system.

Abstract: A docking station connects through a docking port and docking cable with an information handling system to support communication between the information handling system and docking station peripherals. On initial interface, one data lane of the docking port establishes a temporary management interface, such as an I2C management bus, to configure the docking station. After configuration, a docking manager, virtual wireless access point and power block cooperate to assign data lanes of the docking port and wireless communication resources to information transfer and power transfer functions based upon processing and communication tasks performed at the information handling system.

Abstract: A docking station connects through a docking port and docking cable with an information handling system to support communication between the information handling system and docking station peripherals. On initial interface, one data lane of the docking port establishes a temporary management interface, such as an I2C management bus, to configure the docking station. After configuration, a docking manager, virtual wireless access point and power block cooperate to assign data lanes of the docking port and wireless communication resources to information transfer and power transfer functions based upon processing and communication tasks performed at the information handling system.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a processing unit, a second connector, a sensing module and a route-selecting module. The second connector is electrically connected with the processing unit and is capable of being forward or reverse inserted with a first connector of a base. The sensing module is provided for generating different control signals according to the forward insertion or the reverse insertion between the second connector and the first connector. The route-selecting module is electrically connected with the sensing module for switching a usage status of the second connector according to different control signals.

Abstract: An apparatus generally directed to controlling a video game. The apparatus preferably includes a tablet computer, an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer, and an input device for controlling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronic game. Preferably, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structures adjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of sides to form a three sided structure. The third structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.